Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns emerged as joint leaders after the initial round of the 90th Masters Tournament, each carding a 67 to finish at five under par. They hold a two-shot edge over the chasing pack. The challenging layout saw just 16 competitors break par on Thursday.
McIlroy, aiming to defend his title, could become only the fourth golfer to achieve consecutive victories at Augusta National, joining legends Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods. Last year, McIlroy won despite an even-par 72 in the opening round, the first champion since Woods in 2005 not to go under par on day one. Historically, 25 of the past 30 winners have scored below 72 in the first round.
Leaderboard highlights include Kurt Kitayama, Jason Day, and Patrick Reed at three under, followed by Shane Lowry, Xander Schauffele, Justin Rose, and Scottie Scheffler at two under. Others at one under are Haotong Li, Nick Taylor, Tommy Fleetwood, Chad Campbell, Aaron Rai, Jacob Bridgeman, and Gary Woodland.
The course conditions improved as the day progressed, with drier fairways expected to persist. Woodland’s 71 was notable, given his recovery from a 2024 brain tumor and subsequent PTSD. His playing partner, Robert MacIntyre, struggled to an 80, while Scheffler recorded a 70.
Justin Rose, reflecting on his 70, said he felt frustrated but viewed it positively overall. He noted the increasing difficulty due to wind misjudgments but remains confident in his ability to contend, drawing from past runner-up finishes without forcing outcomes.
Scheffler stayed at two under after a par at the 17th, despite a strong approach but a missed birdie putt. At the 18th, he drove into a bunker. Defending champion Jon Rahm expressed disappointment after a 78, his worst score in 37 rounds at Augusta, citing swing issues and the need for exceptional play to remain competitive.
Rose bogeyed the 17th after a short approach and chip, finishing at two under following a par save at 18 despite a wayward second shot near the scoreboard. Rahm’s round marked a low point, while Ludvig Åberg’s 74 was his highest in nine appearances here.
Scheffler’s birdie attempt at 15 from about eight feet missed, keeping him at two under. Rose’s shot to the 17th fell short, leading to a challenging chip and a missed par putt. At the 15th, MacIntyre, at three over, hit two balls into the water but showed resilience. Scheffler demonstrated fine short-game touch for a birdie chance.
In the final group, Harris English rallied from a double bogey at the seventh, reaching one under with birdies including a streak at holes 12 through 14, heading to the par-five 15th. Rose faced a test at the 16th after his tee shot landed on the lower level, leaving a six-foot par putt after a short first attempt.
